Meet the Shopkeeper: GINGER13

By Brie Thalmann

Published: 2014.01.02 09:13 AM

Photos: David Croxford

Local designer Cindy Yokoyama’s jewelry line has been glamming up Island display cases for nearly 10 years. Now, the industry vet is finally setting up a shop of her own, having recently opened a storefront in the heart of downtown’s shopping district. On the shelves are the charm-laden and mismatched classics GINGER13 is loved for, along with exciting new styles. Plus, a charming stash of succulents and gift items to boot. From vintage arrowheads to bronze dinosaur beads, we got the scoop on what to expect.

HONOLULU Magazine: What was the impetus for finally opening your own boutique?Yokoyama: After 10 years of working on GINGER13 as a side project, it felt like the perfect time to give it my complete attention. I want to give my clients a full GINGER13 experience in my own shop.

H: Tell us a little about your professional background.Y: I graduated from UH Manoa with a BFA in painting, and founded GINGER13 soon after, in 2004. I also do floral design professionally.

H: Ah, so the shop’s gorgeous peony painting and painted succulent pots are your handiwork?Y: Yes, the painting is an acrylic that I did and I hand-painted the pots to give them a tribal feel.

H: What made you decide to open downtown?Y: As an artist, I’ve always enjoyed visiting the art galleries in this neighborhood. This area has a strong community, and I’m among friends who look out for me and inspire me in so many ways.

H: Heavy rotators on the shop playlist?Y: Indie and classic rock, so The XX, Washed Out and The Cure.

H: Which one GINGER13 style should every woman own?Y: My signature mismatched earrings. It’s one of the pieces that started my line. I love to play with new pairings for each season.

H: What are your favorite materials to work with right now?Y: I have always tried to include natural elements in my designs. Right now, my favorite materials include pyrite, ebony, brass
and horn.

H: Will there be any new jewelry designs debuting in-store?Y: I’ve been experimenting with a few new designs featuring ammonite fossils and geodes, and brass dinosaur beads, and have been incorporating vintage arrowheads into my statement necklaces. I’m also introducing more delicate styles, such as necklaces strung with tiny key charms and crescents.

H: What other goodies will you be stocking?Y: I’ve been working on sourcing handmade soaps, a new beauty line, leather goods and a few other items. I’ve tried to focus on emerging and independent designers.

H: What should we look out for next from GINGER13?Y: It’s always been my dream to work on a metal line, so you may see some rings joining the collection in the coming year.